In a telephone news conference Friday afternoon, Alfredsson said he's staying committed to local charities he's been working with.

Alfredsson also said his whole family will be moving to Detroit.

"I'm not worried about my legacy," he said. "I expect there will be resentment and anger from fans as I think there definitely should be. I thought that question through as well. I have my favourite sports teams too and if something happens with a player that I don't like, it doesn't benefit my team, I don't like it.

"But I know what I've done in Ottawa. I gave it everything I've had throughout my career and have so many people to thank … This is the decision I make for myself, not for anybody else, and it's all about trying to get the Stanley Cup."

Sens GM calls talk with Alfie 'devastating, disappointing'

In a televised news conference, Senators general manager Bryan Murray said he only realized something was wrong when Alfredsson called him at his cottage on Thursday night.

"It was for me a devastating conversation, a disappointing one, hard to swallow like it is for a lot of people, but I understand a veteran player that hasn't won and wants to win and sees a better opportunity," he said.

"I hope our fans understand that this is what happens sometimes."

The news came as a shock to many, as you can see in some of the reaction we've compiled below.